Michimasa Fujino, who led the design and development of the HondaJet and launch of Honda Aircraft as an entirely new business jet manufacturer, will retire on March 31. Honda Motor Company’s policy requires that executives retire when reaching age 62, and, according to Honda Aircraft, “Mr. Fujino has reached executive retirement age under Honda Motor’s policy…”

Taking over the role from Fujino is Hideto Yamasaki, who will become president and director on April 1. However, Fujino will continue in a role as advisor to Honda Aircraft.

"Since I was appointed for the aircraft development project at Honda in 1986 to 1997,” Fujino said in a statement provided to AIN, “I wanted to design and commercialize an aircraft that could bring new value to the aviation industry—a technologically advanced, fast, efficient, comfortable, and easy-to-fly business jet.

“This led me to come up with several technologies, including the OTWEM (over-the-wing engine mount), NLF (natural laminar flow technology on wing and nose), composite fuselage, and an advanced cockpit, which allowed us to offer customers something radically new.

“It was a tremendous experience for me to be part of Honda for over 38 years and to lead Honda’s aviation project for over 36 years, and I truly appreciate all support from HACI team members and industry leaders, which have made the HondaJet possible today.”

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-02-24/honda-aircraft-ceo-michimasa-fujino-retire-march-31

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